2011 Chevy Cruze test drive and review

When shopping for a new car, you have to balance all of the features you want against what you can afford. If you desire important safety features, leather interior, and navigation system you may not be able to afford all of these items and have to compromise on what you purchase. Until now with the Chevy Cruze.

Affordable luxuries

The price point of the new Chevrolet Cruze LS starts at $16,995 and includes features that normally would be unavailable in this price range. In this model, along with other features, you get 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, and power rear-door child safety locks. Also included is air-conditioning, power windows and locks with remote key-less entry, as well as XM Satellite Radio with a three-month trial subscription.

If your list of desired features includes a navigation system, a plush interior, and rear-parking assistance, your price rises to $22,695. For this price you also get heated seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, 18-inch alloy wheels, along with other luxurious features.

This is a great and reasonably priced American car you can be proud to own. Every U.S. and Canadian version of the Cruze is built in Lordstown, Ohio. Chevrolet invested $350 million in this location to assure this American car would be produced right here at home.

Taking the Chevy Cruze for a test drive

Recently, I drove a Chevy Cruze through the streets of Manhattan and on the surrounding freeways. I felt apprehensive about driving the car in the intense environment of New York City, but the ease of manageability and comfort made it effortless. On the freeway I accelerated easily when I wanted to merge or change lanes. I also stopped quickly when another driver decided they wanted to be in my lane, which in New York can happen at any time. And my turn signals worked beautifully, even though no one else’s seemed to.

The Cruze was nearly silent as we drove along the freeway. At first, the quiet ride went unnoticed and I took it for granted. When I realized I could actually hear myself think, I remembered how loud my old minivan gets and I was impressed. The navigation system came in handy when we made a wrong turn and recalibrated easily when we made, yet, another wrong turn. Did I mention I was driving in a completely unfamiliar city?

Interior design

Visually, the Cruze looked well-designed, and cohesive. The lines were current, and the color palette exceptional. The interior was an appealing brown and cream color. The dashboard features were a standard black with LED lighting, but the leather accents and interior panels were chocolate brown and resulted in an elegant-looking combination.

Typically, a passenger seat is not comfortable for me. My own van’s seat is too short for my legs and long road trips get really uncomfortable. If I had to take a long trip in the Cruze I would not mind a bit. As with the quiet ride, it took me a while to notice how comfortable I felt in the car because it seemed so right for me. The seat is just a bit longer than other passenger seats, but this small distance means the difference between me being comfortable for three hours or struggling to find a way to endure the drive.

Although I regretted turning over the keys to the Cruze at the end of my drive, I had a smile on my face. I grinned because I survived maneuvering among some of the most aggressive drivers: New York City cab drivers. Thanks to the well-designed Chevy Cruze, my driving experience ended happily and with me wanting more time behind the wheel, or even in the passenger seat.

In a world where many things are difficult, the comfort and ease of the Cruze is a welcome change. If you are looking for a well-priced, well-designed, car made in the USA with affordable luxuries, the Chevy Cruze is an exceptional choice.

When Eileen isn’t putting another 10,000 miles on her minivan as she chauffeurs her three boys around town, she is the Chief Mom Connector of Mom Central. You can read about her adventures on her personal blog at calandroclan.com and chat with her on twitter as @MomCentralChat.

Eileen Calandro